The Problem With Change Management

 Kind reminder – This was THE standard process for effective change management in 2021:

Before reading further… In 2022, Forbes reported that nearly 70% of change management initiatives failed.

1.      Change Management Plan: Initially, develop a change management plan. This plan should outline how changes will be formally managed throughout the project. It includes procedures for documenting, assessing, and approving or rejecting changes.

2.      Identify Changes: During the project lifecycle, identify any proposed changes. These could be changes to scope, schedule, costs, quality, or any other aspect of the project.

3.      Document Changes: Every change request should be documented. This documentation includes details about the nature of the change, its impact on the project, and the justification for the change.

4.      Change Impact Analysis: Assess the impact of the change. This involves understanding how the change affects the project's objectives, timelines, costs, resources, risks, and quality. Engage relevant stakeholders and experts in this analysis.

5.      Change Advisory Board (CAB): Depending on the project's governance structure, a Change Advisory Board may be involved in reviewing and approving change requests. This board typically includes stakeholders and team members who have the authority and expertise to make informed decisions about changes.

6.      Approval or Rejection: Based on the impact analysis and CAB's recommendations, decide whether to approve or reject the change request. This decision should be communicated to all relevant stakeholders.

7.      Update Project Management Plan and Documents: If the change is approved, update the project management plan and any related documents. This includes adjustments to the scope, schedule, cost baselines, and any other affected areas.

8.      Implement Changes: Once approved and documented, implement the changes. This might require additional planning, reallocating resources, and adjusting schedules.

9.      Monitor Changes: After implementation, monitor the effects of the change on the project. Ensure that the change achieves its intended outcomes without adversely affecting other aspects of the project.

10.   Lessons Learned: Document lessons learned from the change management process. This information is valuable for future projects and for improving change management processes.

There are instances where this flow might work to achieve the desired outcomes, but they are few, they are likely not innovating, and time-value and return on investment are not top priorities.

Evolution is necessary, faster. If you are waiting for the standards - You're already late.

If you’re headed into your week, and your organization is still challenged to find real traction with change management, please do not hesitate to reach out.